Speeding Up Learning

Introduction

• Question: How can you speed up learning?
• Implication: Faster learning means less time in school or potentially not needing school at all.

Personal Journey

• At 11, wrote to Soviet researchers about hypnopaedia (sleep-learning).
• Discovered that it doesn't work but sparked interest in psychology.
• In 1981, aimed to achieve native-level Chinese fluency in 2 years.
• Achieved fluency in Mandarin in 6 months; observed others struggling with language learning.

Key Question

• Refined question: How can a normal adult learn a new language quickly, easily, and effectively?
• Importance of communication for solving global challenges.

Modelling Language Learning

• Observed successful language learners for 15-20 years.
• Conclusion: Any adult can learn a second language to fluency in 6 months.

Historical Context

• Expanding limits of human progress:
  • Example: Roger Bannister breaking the 4-minute mile barrier in 1956.
  • Advancements in aviation inspired by nature (birds and squirrels).

Common Myths

1. Talent is necessary
   • Example of Zoe, who learned Portuguese in 6 months after applying the right principles.
2. Immersion is the best method
   • Observation of westerners in Hong Kong and Chinese immigrants in English-speaking countries who struggle with language despite immersion.
   • Immersion does not guarantee learning; context matters.

Five Principles of Learning a Language

1. Attention
   • Focus on language content relevant to you.
2. Use Language as a Tool
   • Communicate from day one.
3. Comprehensible Input
   • Understand messages before focusing on the language itself.
4. Physiological Training
   • Understanding the physical aspects of speaking and hearing the sounds of the language.
5. Psycho-Physiological State
   • Positive emotional state enhances learning; tolerance for ambiguity is necessary.

Seven Actions to Take

1. Listen a Lot
   • "Brain soaking" in the language environment.
2. Get the Meaning First
   • Utilizing body language and context to comprehend.
3. Start Mixing
   • Use combinations of known words to create new meanings.
4. Focus on High-Frequency Content
   • Start with the most common words that cover daily communication needs.
5. Get a Language Parent
   • A supportive figure who communicates with you and helps you understand.
6. Copy the Face
   • Mimic native speakers to develop pronunciation and facial muscle control.
7. Direct Connect
   • Connect new language concepts to existing mental imagery for better retention.

Conclusion

• Practicing these principles and actions can lead to fluency in a second language within six months.
• Emphasis on learner's control over their learning process.
• Encouragement to improve through applying these strategies.